Previous Articles from 2011

2011 Eclipse Award Finalists - The finalists for the 2011 Eclipse Awards were announced Thursday. The winners will be announced and trophies presented on Monday January 16 in Beverly Hills. Check out all the finalists for both the equine and human categories here.
2011 Eclipse Media Award Winners - The winners of the media categories for the 2011 Eclipse Awards have all been announced including writing, television, radio, and photography. Also included here are the Special Eclipse Award and Eclipse Awards of Merit which were also announced already.
2011 Year in Review - As we near the end of the year, it is time to take a look back at the highs and lows of 2011.
2012 Triple Crown Trail - Here is the schedule for all the preps leading to the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown. This will be updated with results weekly.
Indian Charlie euthanized at age 16 - Top stallion Indian Charlie, sire of three champions including Uncle Mo, had to be euthanized on December 15, 2011, at Airdie Stud in Kentucky after a battle with cancer. Find out more about his career both on and off the track here.
here.
California Memory wins the 2011 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Cup - At Sha Tin on Sunday, California Memory and jockey Matthew Chadwick won the last Group 1 flat race in the world by a length over Irian and Zazou, while favorite Ambitious Dragon was fourth. Get the results, chart, and photos
here.
Dunaden wins the 2011 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Vase - Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden defeated locally trained Thumbs Up by 3/4 length, while Melbourne Cup runner-up Red Cadeaux and Silver Pond dead-heated for third. Favorite Campanalogist checked in fifth. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Able One upsets in the 2011 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Mile - Nine-year-old horse Able One and 50-year-old jockey Jeff Lloyd captured the world's richest turf mile race at odds of 65-1, by a neck over late-running Cityscape and favorite Xtension. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Lucky Nine wins the 2011 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong Sprint - Locally-trained Lucky Nine closed in the final furlong to win by a head over Joy and Fun and Entrapment at Sha Tin in Hong Kong, with favorite Little Bridge finishing fourth. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
2011 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races Workout Photos - Photos and comments for 22 of the international horses at Sha Tin this week, including Melbourne Cup winner and runner-up Dunaden and Red Cadeaux.
2011 Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races Entries - Post positions were draw on Thursday for the Hong Kong Cup, Vase, Sprint, and Mile, worth a total of HK$20 million. All the races have 13 or 14 horses except the Hong Kong Cup which has 10, headed by French runner Cirrus des Aigles. Get the fields for all 4 races with post positions here.
Review: Peter Pan - The Forgotten Story of Phar Lap's Successor by Jessica Owers. An interesting and well written biography of the two-time Melbourne Cup winner who may have been even better than his more well know predecessor Phar Lap.
Frankie Dettori wins the 2011 Cathay Pacific International Jockeys' Championship - He won 2 legs of the 4 race series to take the title over New Zealand jockey James McDonald. This was the third win for Dettori in the event. Get the results and photos here.
2012 Horse Calendars - A look at what is available for 2012 from Calendars.com and Cafe Press. Both racing and other horse calendars are here including my annual thoroughbred and harness racing calendars. Also check out my Christmas cards and other items: "Let It Snow" and "Happy Holidays".
Norse Ridge Farm Open House - They held an open house on December 4 to show off their stallions including Perfect Soul (sire of Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Perfect Shirl), Gayego, Not Bourbon, and Rebellion. Check out photos of each and their stats.
Cigar Mile and Gazelle Stakes results - To Honor and Serve won the Cigar Mile (G1) by 1 3/4 lengths over Hymn Book and Calibrachoa. Also on the card, favorite Awesome Feather romped in the Gazelle Stakes (G1) by 5 1/4 lengths over Draw It and Love and Pride. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Remsen and Demoiselle Stakes results - O'Prado Again rallied to win by 3/4 of a length in the Remsen Stakes (G2) for the juvenile colts. Favorite Disposablepleasure overcame a stumble at the start and an objection to win the Demoiselle Stakes (G2) for the fillies. Get the results, charts, and photos.
Run in Aruba wins the Kingarvie Stakes - He came from last to win by 3 1/2 lengths over Ultimate Destiny and True Executive at Woodbine on Saturday. Get the results, charts, and photos here plus photos of Court Vision's retirement appearance earlier in the day.
Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes day results - Sabercat rallied to win by 4 lengths in the $1 million Delta Downs Jackpot Stakes (G3), one of 6 big stakes on the card Saturday. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 6 here.
Atlantic Hurricane romps in the Bessarabian Stakes (G3) - She blew them away by 5 lengths at Woodbine Sunday with longshot Mullins Beach second and favorite Embur's Song third. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Hit It Rich wins the Long Island Handicap (G3) - She held off Mekong Melody to win the Long Island Handicap (G3) at Aqueduct by 1 1/2 lengths with Musical Rain third. Get the results, charts, and photos here plus bonus photos of the new Resorts World Casino that is now open.
Straight Story upsets in the Autumn Stakes (G2) - He went wire-to-wire to win by 1 3/4 lengths at odds of 38-1 at Woodbine on Saturday. Pender Harbour was 2nd, Stunning Stag 3rd, and favorite City Wolf a dismal 8th. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Breeders' Cup Saturday Results - There were 9 races Saturday highlighted by the $5 million Classic where Drosselmeyer was just one of many upsets for the day. Biggest upset was was Court Vision who paid $131 to win in the Mile, with favorite Goldikova running 3rd. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 9 races here. Get more photos and comments for each race here: MarathonTurf SprintDirt MileMileJuvenileJuvenile TurfSprintTurfClassicBreeders' Cup Friday Results - There were 6 races Friday highlighted by the Ladies' Classic where favorite Royal Delta drew off to win by 2 1/2 lengths and the Filly and Mare Turf where Perfect Shirl was an upset winner. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 6 races here. Get more photos and comments for each race here: Juvenile SprintF&M SprintJuvenile Fillies TurfJuvenile FilliesF&M TurfLadies Classic2011 Breeders' Cup Entries and Post Positions - Final entries were taken and post positions drawn on Monday for the 15 races on November 4-5 at Churchill Downs. Lots of info about the Breeders' Cup, each race, and links to profiles for all the horses with post positions, morning line odds, and free past performances.
Thursday Breeders' Cup Workout Photos - Photos and comments for 35 of the Breeders' Cup horses out on the track Thursday morning at Churchill Downs, including Goldikova who actually galloped, Drosselmeyer, and Gio Ponti. Almost no repeats from previous days.
Wednesday Breeders' Cup Workout Photos - Photos and comments for 57 of the Breeders' Cup horses out on the track Wednesday morning at Churchill Downs, including Havre de Grace, juvenile Speightscity who had a bullet work, and Game on Dude. All different horses from Tuesday!
Tuesday Breeders' Cup Workout Photos - Photos and comments for 41 of the Breeders' Cup horses out on the track Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs, including Mile favorite Goldikova, Turf favorite Sarafina, and Juvenile favorite Union Rags.
Dunaden wins the 2011 Melbourne Cup - Dunaden just held off the late close of Red Cadeaux to win the Emirates Melbourne Cup (G1) by a nose with Lucas Cranach in third, giving European runners a sweep of the top three spots. Full results and photos plus pay-offs for US wagering are available now.
2011 Breeders Crown Results - The finals for all the trotting and pacing divisions were held on Saturday night at Woodbine with local hero San Pail winning Open Trot, although several trainers and drivers were absent because of flights cancelled by the winter storm in New Jersey. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 12 races here.
Melbourne Cup entries - Tuesday November 1st (Monday night in North America) is the biggest race of the year in Australia, the 2 mile long $5 million Melbourne Cup (G1), the "Race That Stops a Nation." Here is some info about the race and the entries, post positions, and free past performances for the 2011 running.
Breeders Crown entries - Post positions were drawn today for the 12 Breeders Crown championship races for all the divisions of trotters and pacers to be held at Woodbine Racetrack on Saturday night. Get the entries, post positions, and odds for all 12 races here.
My Adonis wins the 2011 Jean Lafitte Stakes (G3) - Saturday at Delta Downs, My Adonis romped in the Jean Lafitte Stakes (G3) by 5 1/4 lengths over Tiz Moe and Flashy Kid. Also on the card, Citizen Advocate won the My Trusty Cat Stakes (G3) for the fillies. Get the results, charts, and photos for all six races here.
Sarah Lynx romps in the Canadian International (G1) - She drew away in the stretch to win by 4 lengths over the boys with Joshua Tree second and favorite Treasure Beach third on Sunday at Woodbine. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
E.P. Taylor (G1) and Nearctic Stakes (G1) results - Also at Woodbine, Miss Keller just got up to win the 2011 E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1) by a head over I'm A Dreamer and favorite Dream Peace. In the Nearctic Stakes (G1), Regally Ready led all the way to win by a neck over favorite Bated Breath with Gypsy Ring third. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Canadian International Entries - A huge field of 16 turf specialists was entered in the $1.5 million 1 1/2 mile Canadian International (G1) at Woodbine on Saturday. Get the entries and free past performances here for the International, the E.P. Taylor, and Nearctic Stakes, all Breeders' Cup Win and You're In races.
Juddmonte Spinster (G1) and Bourbon Stakes - Aruna won the Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (G1) on Sunday at Keeneland by a half length, while Animal Spirits won the Bourbon Stakes on the turf. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
FallStars Saturday at Keeneland - There were 5 graded stakes races for several of the Breeders' Cup divisions on Saturday at Keeneland, headed by the Shadwell Turf Mile won by Gio Ponti. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 5 races here.
2011 Champagne, Frizette, and Jamaica Handicap - Saturday at Belmont Park, Union Rags won the Champagne (G1) going away by 5 1/4 lengths, My Miss Aurelia won the Frizette (G1) easily by 5 1/2 lengths, and Western Aristocrat won the Jamaica Handicap (G1) on the turf by a length. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Darley Alcibiades and Phoenix Stakes - Stephanie's Kitten won the 2011 Darley Alcibiades Stakes (G1) at Keeneland on Friday over Heart of Destiny and Putthebabiesdown. Also on the card, Hoofit won the Phoenix Stakes (G3) by a nose over Aikenite. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Flat Out wins the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) - He drew off to win by 2 1/4 lengths over Drosselmeyer and favorite Stay Thirsty at Belmont Park on Saturday. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Cape Blanco wins the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) - Also at Belmont Park, favorite Cape Blanco just held off Dean's Kitten by a nose with Grassy in third. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Havre de Grace romps in the Beldame (G1) - Also at Belmont Park, Havre de Grace drew off to win by 8 1/4 lengths over Royal Delta and Satans Quick Chick. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Stacelita wins the Flower Bowl Invitational (G1) - Also at Belmont Park, heavy favorite Stacelita drew away to win by 2 lengths over Distored Legacy and Dynaslew. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Giant Ryan upsets in the Vosburgh (G1) - Also at Belmont Park, Giant Ryan went wire-to-wire to win by a half length over Force Freeze and Caixa Eletronica with favorite Trappe Shot fourth. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Uncle Mo dominates in the Kelso Handicap (G2) - Also at Belmont Park, favorite Uncle Mo drew off to win by 3 lengths over Jackson Bend and Jersey Town. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Review: Crushing the Cup 2011 - by Jim Mazur and Peter Mallett. An invaluable tool for trying to unlock the mysteries of handicapping the Breeders' Cup races at Churchill Downs updated for 2011.
Selene (G3) and Flaming Page Stakes results - Smart Sting set the pace then drew off to win the Selene Stakes by 3 1/2 lengths while favorite Inglorious never fired and finished 3rd. Also on the card, Honimiere won the Flaming Page Stakes. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Pomeroys Pistol romps in the Gallant Bloom Handicap (G2) - She drew away to win by 4 lengths over Tamarind Hall and Lovely Lil at Belmont Park on Saturday with favorite Tar Heel Mom disappointing in fifth. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Kentucky Cup Day Results - Future Prospect won the Kentucky Cup Stakes (G2) by 4 lengths over General Quarters on Saturday at Turfway Park. Also on the card, La Gran Bailadora won the Ketucky Cup Distaff (G3) and Matthewsburg won the Kentucky Cup Sprint (G3). Get the results, charts, and photos for all 5 stakes here.
Turallure wins the Ricoh Woodbine Mile (G1) - Turallure just got up to win the Woodbine Mile by a neck over favorite Courageous Cat who was a nose in front of third place Right One in a tight finish. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Northern Dancer Turf (G1) and Canadian Stakes (G2) - Also at Woodbine, Wigmore Hall just got up to win the Northern Dancer Turf over Simmard and AL Khali and Never Retreat held on to win the Canadian Stakes over Perfect Shirl and Stars to Shine. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
. More about Saratoga than Rachel, but an interesting look at the 2009 Spa meet, ending with detailed coverage of her win in the Woodward.
Prayer For Relief wins the Super Derby - He went wire-to-wire at Louisiana Downs, drawing off to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Awesome Bet and Populist Politics on Saturday. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 6 stakes on the card here.
Belmont Park 9/11 Ceremony - On the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, NYRA held a special ceremony prior to the start of Sunday's live racing card at Belmont Park. Ten years ago, Belmont Park served as one of the staging areas for emergency vehicles and personnel in the days following 9/11.
Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer hits 6000 wins - The Hall of Fame trainer got his 6000th win on September 3, 2011, at Golden Gate Fields with Just Tappin It in the 6th race. Check out his career highlights and stats here.
Metro Pace, She's a Great Lady Stakes, and Canadian Pacing Derby - Simply Business was a big upset in the $1 million Metro Pace at Mohawk on Saturday night. Also on the card, American Jewel won the She's a Great Lady stakes and We Will See took the Canadian Pacing Derby. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Woodward and Forego Stakes results - Havre de Grace beat the boys in the Woodward (G1) at Saratoga with Flat Out second and Rule third. In the Forego (G1) for the sprinters, Jackson Bend won by 3 1/4 lengths over Jersey Town and Aikenite. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Ask the Moon wins the Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) - After being postponed a week by hurricane Irene, Ask the Moon won the Personal Ensign wire-to-wire over Pachattack and Tiz Miz Sue. Also on the card, Sugar Again won the Paris Opera Stakes. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Review: Horse Racing's Most Wanted - The Top Ten Book of Derby Delights, Frenetic Finishes, and Backstretch Banter by David L. Hudson Jr. Top 10 lists are popular topics for debate between sports fans as well as movie buffs and music critics. David Hudson compiled fifty such lists for horse racing in his latest book, and covers almost every angle possible, from horses to people to movies.
Travers and King's Bishop Stakes results - Saturday at Saratoga, favorite Stay Thirsty won the Travers (G1) by 1 1/4 lengths over Rattlesnake Bridge and J W Blue. Also on the card, Caleb's Posse upset Uncle Mo in the King's Bishop Stakes (G1) with Justin Phillip in third. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Ballerina, Ballston Spa, and Victory Ride Stakes results - Also on Travers day Hilda's Passion won going wire-to-wire the Ballerina Stakes (G1) by 9 1/4 lengths over Tar Heel Mom. Daveron won the Ballston Spa Handicap (G2) by 1 3/4 lengths over Tapitsfly, and Hot Summer won the Victory Ride Stakes (G3). Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Turallure romps in the Bernard Baruch Handicap (G2) - He caught pacesetter and favorite Get Stormy in the stretch, then drew off to win by 2 1/4 lengths at Saratoga on Friday. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Review: Saratoga Race Course - The August Place to Be by Kimberly Gatto. An excellent history of the celebrated facility in upstate New York that is the home of the best summer racing in America and a Mecca for horse racing fans everywhere.
Hungry Island wins the Lake Placid Stakes (G2) - She was last early, but rallied late to win at Saratoga on Sunday by 2 1/2 lengths over Kathmanblu and Dynamic Holiday, while favorite Winter Memories finished a disappointing 4th. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Royal Delta romps in the Alabama (G1) - She drew away to win by 5 1/2 lengths at Saratoga on Saturday with favorite It's Tricky second and longest shot on the board Pinch Pie third. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
2011 Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Inductions - 15 new members were inducted into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame on August 18, 2011, including Belmont Stakes winner Touch Gold, champion filly Dancethruthedawn, and late owner/breeder Tammy Samual Balaz.
Cape Blanco wins a soggy Arlington Million (G1) - He won by 2 1/2 lengths over the yielding turf at Arlington Park over Gio Ponti with Dean's Kitten finishing third. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Stacelita wins the Beverly D (G1) - She pulled away in the final furlong to win by 1 1/4 lengths over Dubawi Heights and Rever Jetez on Arlington Million day. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Treasure Beach wins the Secretariat Stakes (G1) - He just got up by a neck to win over Ziyarid with Banned 1 1/2 lengths back in third. Also on the card, Santina Dond won the Hatoof Stakes. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Ontario Debutante and With Approval Stakes - Tu Endie Wei won the Ontario Debutante for 2-year-old fillies at Woodbine on Saturday. Also on the card, Riley Ripasso won the With Approval Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on the turf. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Breeders' Cup back to Santa Anita in 2012 - It was announced today that the 2012 Breeders' Cup World Championships will be held at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., on Friday, Nov. 2 and Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. This will be the third time within a five year span and the sixth time overall for the event to be hosted at Santa Anita.
Whitney Handicap and Test Stakes Results - Tizway won the Whitney Handicap (G1) by 3 lengths on Saturday at Saratoga over Flat Out and Giant Oak. Also on the card, Turbulent Descent won the Test Stakes (G1) by 3 3/4 lengths while Trix in the City won the De La Rose Stakes. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Coil wins the Haskell Invitational (G1) - He overcame a bad start and rallied from last to win by a neck Sunday at Monmouth Park with Preakness winner Shackleford second and Belmont winner Ruler on Ice third. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Haskell undercard stakes results - There were 7 other stakes on Sunday at Monmouth Park, including the Matchmaker (G3) won by Romacaca and the Oceanport (G3) won by Yummy With Butter. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 7 here.
The Diana and Jim Dandy Stakes - Saturday at Saratoga, Zagora won the Diana (G1) on the turf for the fillies and mares while Stay Thirsty romped by 4 lengths in the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) for the 3-year-old colts. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Review: Dancer's Image - The Forgotten Story of the 1968 Kentucky Derby by Milton C. Toby. A look at the legal wrangling and questionable happenings behind the only disqualification in the history of the Kentucky Derby, the validity of which is still uncertain today.
Nijinsky and Ontario Matron Stakes - Windward Islands rallied to win the Nijinsky Stakes (G2) at Woodbine by 3/4 of a length over favorite Fifty Proof. Also on the card, favorite Embur's Song won wire-to-wire in the Ontario Matron Stakes (G3). Get the results, charts, and photos here.
It's Tricky wins the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) - She wore down favorite and pacesetter Plum Pretty to win by 3/4 of a length on opening weekend at Saratoga with Royal Delta third. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Saratoga Preview - Saratoga Race Course will open on Friday for their 143rd summer spa meeting with some of the best racing quality racing of the year. There will be at least 1 stakes race every day, including 17 Grade 1 events, highlighted by the $1 million Travers on August 27.
Pender Harbour wins the Prince of Wales Stakes - He just got up by nose at the wire in a 3-way photo finish at Fort Erie Racetrack in the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. Bowman's Causeway was 2nd and pacesetter Oh Canada a half length back in 3rd. Favorite Check Your Soul was once again last. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Cape Blanco wins the Man O'War Stakes (G1) - Cape Blanco drew away to win by 2 1/4 lengths on the turf at Belmont Park over favorite Gio Ponti with Boisterous third. Also on the card Quebrada Shiner won the Caress Stakes. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Her Smile wins the Prioress Stakes (G1) - She rallied from last to win the Independence Day feature at Belmont Park over Pomeroys Pistol and Alienation, giving her owner chef Bobby Flay his first Grade 1 winner. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Futurity, Matron, and Bed O'Roses Handicap results - Sunday at Belmont Park, Jack's in the Deck won the Futurity (G2) for the 2-year-old colts, Millionreasonswhy won the Matron (G2) for the juvenile fillies, and Tamarind Hall won the Bed O'Roses Hcp. (G3) for the distaff sprinters. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Bison City and Clarendon Stakes results - Bear It's Time won the second leg of the Canadian Triple Tiara for fillies, the Bison City Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday. Also on the card, Making Amends won the Clarendon Stakes for the 2-year-old Canadian-breds. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Suburban Handicap (G2) and Dwyer Stakes (G3) results - Flat Out drew off to win the Suburban Hcp. by 6 1/2 lengths at Belmont Park on Saturday. Also on the card, Dominus won the Dwyer Stakes and Hungry Island won the Recording Stakes. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Dominion Day (G3) and Sweet Briar Too Stakes - Don Cavallo won the Dominion Day Stakes (G3) by 3 3/4 lengths over James Street and Stately Victor at Woodbine on Friday. Earlier in the card, Amiable Grace won the Sweet Briar Too Stakes in a four way photo finish. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Inglorious wins the Queen's Plate - She rallied to win by 2 1/2 lengths over longshots Hippolytus and Pender Harbour, while favorite Check Your Soul faded to finish 7th. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Highlander and Singspiel Stakes results - Also on Queen's Plate day, Signature Red won the Highlander Stakes (G2) for the second time while Musketier also was a repeat winner in the Singspiel Stakes (G3). Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Buster's Ready romps in the Mother Goose Stakes (G1) - She drew away to win by 4 1/4 lengths over favorite Joyful Victory with R Gypsy Gold third. Also on the card, Giants Play won the New York Stakes (G2) over Zagora and Hibaayeb. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Queen's Plate Entries - Canada's equivalent of the Kentucky Derby, the Queen's Plate, will be run on Sunday June 26 and a field of 17 was entered headed by Plate Trial winner Check Your Soul. Get the entries, posts positions, odds, and free past performances here.
Awesome Maria wins the Ogden Phipps Handicap (G1) - She drew off to win by 3 lengths over Payton d'Oro after Unbridled Belle was scratched after flipping in the paddock. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Review: Sham - Great was Second Best - A Brave Bay's Rivalry with the Legendary Secretariat by Phil Dandrea. A biography of the 1973 Triple Crown runner-up who could have been the superhorse had he been born any other year.
2011 Queen's Plate Barbecue - The Canadian Triple Crown is about to get started with the Queen's Plate on Sunday June 26 at Woodbine. Monday afternoon 11 of the 17 horses expected to enter were paraded at the annual Queen's Plate barbecue.
Pool Play upsets in the Stephen Foster Handicap (G1) - He rallied from last to win by a neck over Mission Impazible with Apart another 2 3/4 in third. Also on the card, Banned won the Jefferson Cup (G3) for 3-year-olds on the turf. Get the results, chart, and photos here.
Stephen Foster undercard stakes results - There were 3 other graded stakes on the card including the Matt Winn Stakes (G3) won by Scotus, the Regret Stakes (G3) won by Bizzy Caroline, and the President of the United Arab Emirates Cup (G1) for Arabians won by T M Fred Texas. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Up The Credit wins the 2011 Pepsi North America Cup - He took the lead in the stretch to win by a length over Roll With Joe with Big Jim in third and favorite Big Bad John fifth. Also on the card Blue Porsche won the Goodtimes Trot, See You At Peelers won the Fan Hanover Stakes, Crys Dream won the Elegantimage Stakes, and Won The West won the Mohawk Gold Cup. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Royal Ascot 2011 - Royal Ascot began on Tuesday and runs through Saturday with some of the best racing in the UK. Get the results and photos for all the big races here updated daily. All five days are now online.
Pepsi North America Cup Entries - Saturday June 18 at Mohawk Racetrack is the $1.5 million North America Cup for the pacers. Big Bad John, winner of one of three elimination races, will start from post 4 as the 2-1 favorite in the field of ten. Get the entries and posts here.
Ruler on Ice upsets in the Belmont Stakes - He stalked Shackleford early, the took over in the stretch and held off Stay Thirsty by 3/4 of a length with Brilliant Speed in third. Favorite Animal Kingdom finished 6th. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Belmont Undercard Stakes - There were 5 graded stakes run on the Belmont Stakes undercard on Saturday. Mission Approved upset champion Gio Ponti in the Manhattan (G1), C.S. Silk won the Just a Game (G1), It's Tricky captured the Acorn (G1), Trappe Shot won the True North Handicap (G2), and Justin Phillip took the Woody Stephens (G2). Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Brooklyn Handicap and Poker Stakes - Friday at Belmont Park, Birdrun led wire-to-wire to win the Brooklyn Handicap (G2) over favored Drosselmeyer. Also on the card, Courageous Cat won the Poker Stakes (G3) on the turf. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Belmont Stakes Entries - A field of 12 was entered on Wednesday, headed by Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom from post 9 and Preakness winner Shackleford from post 12. Get the entries, post positions, morning line odds, and free past performances plus profiles for all the horses here.
Belmont Contender Workout Photos - Photos of 6 contenders from Saturday and Sunday, including Shackleford on the track and Animal Kingdom arriving at Belmont plus turf champion Gio Ponti.
Analyzing the Belmont Stakes Contenders - My annual analysis using popular angles and statistical trends to see who best matches the profile of a Belmont winner.
Top Belmont Stakes Contenders - It will probably be a full field this year with a possible rematch between Derby winner Animal Kingdom and Preakness winner Shackleford. Get profiles with lots of info and photos here.
Hilda's Passion romps in the Vagrancy Handicap (G2) - She went to the front and never looked back, winning by 5 1/4 lengths over Curlina and Tidal Pool at Belmont Park on Saturday. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Inglorious wins the Woodbine Oaks - She caught pacesetter Spooky Kitten in stretch to win the Woodbine Oaks by 3/4 of a length with Marketing Mix finished 3rd. Also on the card was the Plate Trial won by Check Your Soul and the Alywow Stakes won by New Normal. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Woodbine Oaks Entries - A field of 9 was entered for the 56th running of the Woodbine Oaks on Sunday June 5, headed by La Lorgnette Stakes winner Inglorious. Get the entries, post positions, and past performances here.
Tizway romps in the Met Mile - He won easily by 2 3/4 lengths as the favorite in the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) over Rodman and Caixa Eletronica. Also on the card, Winter Memories won the Sands Point Stakes (G2) for fillies on the turf. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Shackleford wins the Preakness - He took over the lead in the stretch then held off the late close by Animal Kingdom to win by a half length with Astrology third. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
The Preakness Field - Photos of each of the 14 horses in the post parade for the 136th Preakness Stakes.
Preakness Miscellaneous Photos - Various photos from scenery to funny from Preakness weekend.
Preakness undercard stakes results - There were 7 other stakes on the card, highlighted by the Dixie Stakes (G2) won by Paddy O'Prado in his first start since last year's Breeders' Cup. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 7 races here.
Royal Delta wins the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes - She drew away to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Buster's Ready and Hot Summer at Pimlico on Friday. Also on the card were the Legends for the Cure race won by Mary Wiley-Wagner, the Pimlico Female Jockey Challenge won by Emma-Jayne Wilson, and 4 other stakes races. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
2011 Preakness Thursday Photos - Nine of the 14 Preakness entrants are at the Pimlico stakes barn and all of them went out on the muddy, sealed track Thursday morning either for a walk around or gallop. Check out photos for each here.
2011 Alibi Breakfast - The traditional Alibi Breakfast was held on Thursday morning and the connections of 10 of the 14 Preakness entrants were on hand to swap stories about their horses and watch the presentation of the annual awards.
Preakness Entries and Post Positions - A full field of 14 was entered on Wednesday for the 136th Preakness on May 21st, with 2-1 morning line favorite Animal Kingdom getting post 11. Get the entries, post positions, odds, and free past performances here.
Alternation wins the Peter Pan Stakes (G2) - He just got up at the wire to win by a head over favorite Adios Charlie at Belmont Park on Saturday with Prime Cut finishing third. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Analyzing the Preakness Stakes Contenders for 2011 - My annual analysis using popular angles and statistical trends to see who best matches the profile of a Preakness winner. It is no surprise that Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom came out on top but how did the others fare?
Animal Kingdom wins the Kentucky Derby - He was 12th early on but rallied wide in the stretch to win by 2 3/4 lengths over Nehro and Mucho Macho Man in front of a record breaking crowd. Favorite Dialed In finished a disappointing 8th. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Kentucky Derby Hat Parade - Photos of over 50 hats from Derby and Oaks day.
The Kentucky Derby Field - Photos of each of the 19 horses in the post parade for the 137th Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby undercard stakes results - There were 5 other stakes on Derby day including the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1) won by Get Stormy and the Humana Distaff Stakes (G1) won by Sassy Image. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 5 races here.
Plum Pretty wins the Kentucky Oaks - Plum Pretty just held off St. John's River to win the Kentucky Oaks (G1) by a head with Zazu in third, while favorite Joyful Victory finished fourth. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Kentucky Oaks undercard stakes results - There were 5 other stakes on Oaks day including the La Troienne Stakes (G2) won by Blind Luck and the Alysheba Stakes (G3) won by First Dude. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 5 races here.
Uncle Mo scratched - It was announced at press conference Friday morning that he wasn't 100% and had been scratched from the Derby.
Thursday Kentucky Derby Workouts - It was a lovely day at Churchill Downs on Thursday. Here are photos and comments for 18 of the Kentucky Derby runners from either the morning workouts or paddock schooling in the afternoon.
Wednesday Kentucky Derby Workouts - Photos of 13 Derby and 11 Oaks horses on the track at Churchill Wednesday morning.
2011 Kentucky Oaks Entries - A field of 13 was entered for Friday's Kentucky Oaks with 5-2 favorite Joyful Victory drawing post 1. Get the post positions, odds, and free past performances here.
Tuesday Kentucky Derby Workouts - Photos of some of the horses working at Churchill plus Toby's Corner galloping at Fair Hills. Today he was withdrawn from the Derby due to an injury that showed up after that work.
Analyzing the top 2011 Kentucky Derby contenders - My annual analysis of the top contenders to try and select a winner by matching each to the profile of a Kentucky Derby winner using many of the more popular angles and statistical trends. No surprise there is a 3-way tie for top spot this year.
Kentucky Derby Graded Stakes Earnings - ranks the top contenders by graded earnings. This is what determines who can get in the starting gate on Derby day. Includes earnings through 5/1.
Kentucky Derby runner up for adoption - Z Fortune, who ran 10th in the 2008 Kentucky Derby, has been given to the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program in Lexington, Kentucky, by his owner Ahmed Zayat for retraining and adoption. Applications will be taken through the Kentucky Derby, then reviewed to choose his new owner.
Jess Jackson passes away - Jess Jackson, whose Stonestreet Stables campaigned Horses of the Year Curlin and Rachel Alexandra, passed away on April 21, 2011, at the age of 81. Find out about his racing career here.
Archarcharch wins the Arkansas Derby (G1) - Archarcharch rallied from 10th early to win by a neck over Nehro with Dance City third. Also on the card, May Day Rose won the Instant Racing Stakes and Uncle Brent won the Northern Spur Stakes. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Havre de Grace wins the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) - Havre de Grace rallied past Switch and Absinthe Minded late to win by 3/4 length on Friday at Oaklawn Park. Also on the card, Road Ready won the Bachelor Stakes over Philippe. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Review: Greatness and Goodness: Barbaro and His Legacy - by Alex Brown. An in-depth look at popular but ill-fated Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro and the impact his injury had on fans, the people associated with him, and advances in equine health and welfare. With 164 color photos, this is a book any racing fan would enjoy.
Smiling Tiger romps in the Count Fleet Handicap - Smiling Tiger won by 2 1/2 lengths over Silver Magnus and Chief of Affairs in the Count Fleet Handicap during the Racing Festival of the South at Oaklawn Park. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Review: Beyond the Homestretch - What Saving Racehorses Taught Me About Starting Over, Facing Fear and Finding My Inner Cowgirl by Lynn Reardon. This is an enjoyable read about racehorses and the people who give them a second chance after they have become too slow, too old, or too injured for the track.
Wood Memorial and Bay Shore Stakes - Toby's Corner pulled off the upset in the $1 million Wood Memorial (G1) at Aqueduct on Saturday, defeating Arthur's Tale. Heavy favorite and early Derby favorite Uncle Mo was third in his first career defeat. Also on the card, J J's Lucky Train won the Bay Shore Stakes (G3) over Vengeful Wildcat and Justin Phillip. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Carter Handicap and Comely Stakes - Morning Line defeated favorite Apriority by 1 1/2 lengths in the Carter Handicap (G1) for older sprinters at Aqueduct, with Yawanna Twist third. Also on the card, Hot Summer drew off from Her Smile and favorite Ava K. to win the Comely Stakes (G3). Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Portside wins the Star Shoot Stakes - Portside rallied from last to just catch favorite Nina Fever by a neck at the wire in the Star Shoot Stakes at Woodbine on Saturday. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Florida Derby Weekend - Dialed In won by a head over Shackleford in the Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park on Sunday with favorite Soldat a distant 5th. On Saturday, favorite R Heat Lightning won the Gulfstream Oaks (G2) by 8 1/4 lengths. Get the results, charts, and photos for the 7 stakes races on the weekend here.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3 - Wagering is now closed and juvenile champion Uncle Mo was the 3-1 favorite over Florida Derby winner Dialed In at 5-1. Get the horses, closing odds, will-pay amounts, and free past performances here.
2010 Sovereign Award Winners - The Canadian thoroughbred year-end championships were announced Friday night at Woodbine and Biofuel was named Champion 3-year old Filly and Horse of the Year. Check out all the winners and vote totals.
2011 Triple Crown Trail - Here is the schedule for all the preps leading to the 2011 Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown. This will be updated with results weekly.
2011 Triple Crown Late Nominations - Thirteen more thoroughbreds were made eligible for the three Triple Crown races for a fee of $6000 by the late nomination deadline, including Tampa Bay Derby winner Watch Me Go. Any not nominated now will have to pay a huge supplement fee to enter. Check out the list here.
Review: Triple Crown Handicapper 2011 - by Jim Mazur. Includes lots of stats for all 3 races and explains how to use a system of statistically derived negative angles to eliminate the "bad" picks.
Louisiana Derby Day - Pants on Fire won the Louisiana Derby (G2) and Daisy Devine won the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) at the Fair Grounds on Saturday. Also on the card, Smart Bid won the Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial Handicap (G2), Mission Impazible won the New Orleans Handicap (G2), Mambo Galliano won the Duncan F. Kenner Stakes, and Upperline won the Bayou Handicap. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Victoire Pisa wins the Dubai World Cup (G1) - In the world's richest horse race, Japanese runners finished 1-2 as Victoire Pisa defeated Transcend by 1/2 a length at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai. Godolphin horse Monterosso was third, while top U.S. hope Gio Ponti was 5th and favorite Twice Over was 9th. Get the results, chart, and photos here. Also on the card: Sheema Classic won by Rewilding, Dubai Duty Free won by Presvis, UAE Derby won by Khawlah, Golden Shaheen & Al Quoz Sprint won by Rocket Man and J J The Jet Plane, and Godolphin Mile & Kahayla Classic won by Skysurfers and Seraphin du Paon.
Vinery Spiral, Rushaway, and Hansel Stakes - Animal Kingdom won the Vinery Spiral over Decisive Moment with favorite Positive Response a disappointing 8th, Turfway Park's big Kentucky Derby prep. Also on the card, Swift Warrior won the Rushaway Stakes and Ghost Is Clear won the Hansel Stakes. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Bourbonette Oaks and Queen Stakes - Summer Soiree won Turfway's Kentucky Oaks prep, the Bourbonette Oaks, over Harlan's Ruby and Suave Voir Faire. Also on the card, Sweet Gladys was an upset winner in the Queen Stakes. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Dubai World Cup Workout Photos - Photos for 14 more of the horses running on Saturday, including Master of Hounds, Redwood, and Stradivinsky, from the morning workouts at Meydan on Thursday.
Dubai World Cup entries - A field of 14 was entered for the big race, including American runners Gio Ponti, Fly Down, and Richard's Kid. Get the entries and past performances for the entire card here.
Dubai World Cup Workout Photos - Photos for 28 of the horses running on Saturday, including Buena Vista, Gio Ponti, and Twice Over, from the morning workouts at Meydan on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Rebel and Azeri Stakes results - Saturday at Oaklawn, favorite The Factor dominated the Rebel Stakes (G2) for 3-year-olds over Caleb's Posse and Archarcharch. In the Azeri Stakes (G3) for older females, Havre de Grace won over favorite Blink Luck. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Cheltenham Festival results - This is the biggest jumps meet of the year in England and draws an average of 50,000 fans each day. It includes eleven Grade 1 races and purse money of almost £4 million. Photos and results for all the Grade 1 races are up now including the Gold Cup won by Long Run.
Honeybee Stakes and Razorback Handicap results - Saturday at Oaklawn, Joyful Victory won the Honeybee Stakes (G3) for 3-year-old fillies and It Happened Again won the Razorback Handicap (G3) for the older horses. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2 - Wagering is now closed and Uncle Mo, who won his 2011 debut on Saturday, is the favorite at 3-1 with the field next at 7-2. In the only Kentucky Oaks Future, Kathmanblu is the favorite at 7-2. Get the horses, final odds, free past performances, and exact will-pay amounts here.
Gotham Stakes day at Aqueduct - Favorite Stay Thirsty won easily in the Gotham Stakes (G3) over Norman Asbjornson and Toby's Corner. Also on the card, Calibrachoa won the Tom Fool Handicap (G3), Sensational Slam won the Fred "Cappy" Capossela Stakes, and Meese Rocks won the Broadway Stakes. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Review: A Racing and Breeding Tradition: The Horses of the Aga Khan - by Philip Jodidio. An elegant 272-page coffee-table sized book with 172 photographs covering the Aga Khan's powerful Thoroughbred racing and breeding empire. A unique resource for those interested in European racing and racehorse breeding.
Louisiana Derby Preview Day - Mucho Macho Man won the Risen Star Stakes (G2) and Kathmanblu won the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G3) at the Fair Grounds on Saturday. Also on the card, Demarcation won the Mineshaft Handicap (G3), Expansion won the Fair Grounds Handicap (G3), Beautician won the Pan Zareta Stakes, and Due Date won the Colonel Power Stakes. Get the results, charts, and photos here.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1 - Wagering is now closed and the field was the favorite at 2-1 favorite with Uncle Mo next at 7-2. Get the horses, final odds, free past performances, and will-pay prices here.
Triple Crown Early Nominations - 364 horses were nominated by the early deadline of January 22, making them eligible for all three Triple Crown races. Late nominations will close in March. Check out the list here.
Review: Affirmed - The Last Triple Crown Winner by Lou Sahadi. Well-written biography covers the life and times of Affirmed, jockey Steve Cauthen, trainer Laz Barrera, owner Louis Wolfson, and of course Affirmed's bitter rival Alydar of Calumet Farm.
Sunshine Millions results - The six Sunshine Millions races for the Florida and California-breds were held on Saturday at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita. Caracortado won the Turf and Tackleberry won the Classic. Get the results, charts, and photos for all six races here.
2010 Experimental Free Handicap - This list ranks the top 2-year-olds for 2010 and determines the dual qualifiers for the 2011 Kentucky Derby.
2011 Kentucky Derby Future Wager - There will again be three future wager pools for the Derby on February 18-20, March 11-13, and April 1-3 with both exacta and win wagering. There will be a single pool for the Oaks on March 11-13 with also with win and exacta wagering.
2010 Sovereign Award Finalists - The Sovereign Awards are Canada's year end championships. Check out all the finalists for the equine, human, and media categories here.
2010 Eclipse Award Winners - Zenyatta was named Horse of the Year and Champion Older Female at the ceremony on Monday night. Blame won Champion Older Male and Goldikova won Champion Turf Female. Get all the winners with photos and vote totals here.
2010 Eclipse Finalists - The finalists for the 2010 Eclipse Awards were announced Wednesday. The winners will be announced and trophies presented on Monday January 17. Zenyatta, Blame, and Goldikova are the finalists for Horse of the Year. Check out all the finalists for both the equine and human categories here.
2010 Eclipse Media Award Winners - The winners of the media categories for the 2009 Eclipse Awards have all been announced including writing, television, radio, and photography. Also included here are the Special Eclipse Award and Eclipse Awards of Merit which were also announced already.
Review: Lord of Misrule - by Jaimy Gordon. This award-winning slice of life novel portrays the gritty, downtrodden life on the backstretch of a minor league track in the 1970's.